The Most Amazing Experience of My Life Past Review
By Kelsi R (Hospitality Administration, University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 03/03/2015 to 06/19/2015 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the University of the South Pacific (USP)
Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to be by myself, be indepndent, I got to meet people from all over the world and gain so much just from hearing their stories of their home/countries they travelled to. Studying abroad makes you a better person because you are introduced to things outside of your comfort zone and things you wouldn't ever think to see or experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The University of the South Pacific really attends to international students needs! I never hesitated visiting the offices with questions and they were more than happy to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The on campus dorms are very nice! Clean and updated, you get your own room & they are very safe! |
| * Food: |
No on campus meal plan but places on campus to eat for very cheap! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Between traveling, being on campus, going into Suva city for the market & other things-- you get introduced to the beautiful culture very quickly! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A few times I had to visit on campus healthcare for minor reasons and never came across an issue with it. |
| * Safety: |
Safety wasn't much of an issue for my friends and I. In a foreign country, especially in a city, it's important to use common sense! Biggest thing being theft, never take more money than you need & never bring valuable items out with you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Spending 5 months in Fiji is the best decision I have ever made. Living in an underdeveloped country is such a humbling experience, it makes you appreciate the little things & you get introduced to people who are so happy with so little; it's a beautiful experience. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
The country of Fiji is very cheap for food. You do have to buy all your food but with fresh fruit and veggies at the market, local bread shops & on campus eating it is easy to keep it cheap! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75-$100 Fijian/$45-$50 US |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy local foods, share with friends or roommates, eat out at locally owned restaurants- not chain restaurants. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Fijians speak English very well-- although they will greet internationals with local language, saying thank you, and other small things such as water. It's important to practice these words with your coordinator/other members in the group$ |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That it goes by in a flash so to not be even slightly scared about leaving home! Home will always be home, embrace the fear of going abroad. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
